Aberdeen’s Hydrogen Bus Fleet Faces Nine-Month Shutdown Due to Fuel Shortage
Introduction
Aberdeen’s pioneering hydrogen-powered bus fleet has been forced off the roads for nine months due to a fuel shortage, raising concerns about the city’s ambitious green transport strategy. The fleet, which was launched with great fanfare as a step toward sustainable public transport, has been sidelined since July 2024 due to the unavailability of hydrogen fuel.
Background
The fleet of 25 hydrogen-powered double-decker buses was introduced in 2021 as part of Aberdeen’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The £8.3 million project was funded by the European Union and the Scottish Government, with each bus costing approximately £500,000.
However, both of the city’s hydrogen refueling stations are currently offline, leaving the buses unable to operate. The main refueling plant was shut down for “life extension” work last summer, and since then, no alternative fuel supply has been secured.
Public Concerns and Official Response
Local officials and residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged downtime of the buses. Councillor Deena Tissera, Labour’s lead on net zero and transport in Aberdeen, has called for transparency regarding the situation, stating, “A lot of public money has been invested in this hydrogen strategy, especially on the buses and the refilling stations. We need to know what the story behind this is. Why are the buses not running?”
Despite the setback, Aberdeen City Council remains committed to its hydrogen ambitions. Council co-leader Christian Allard defended the initiative, acknowledging the challenges of pioneering new technology. He emphasized that the city is working on a new hydrogen refueling site, which is expected to be operational by summer 2025, though it may take until autumn for the buses to return to service.
Impact on Public Transport and Future Plans
While the hydrogen buses remain parked at the First Bus depot, other hydrogen-powered vehicles in the city’s fleet, such as council vans, road sweepers, and waste trucks, have temporarily switched to diesel.
The council is now focusing on securing a stable hydrogen supply to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Officials hope that once the new refueling station is operational, Aberdeen’s hydrogen bus fleet can resume service and continue leading the way in sustainable public transport.
Conclusion
Aberdeen’s hydrogen bus fleet was once hailed as a groundbreaking step toward a greener future. However, the current fuel shortage has highlighted the challenges of maintaining such an ambitious project. As the city works to restore its hydrogen infrastructure, the success of its green transport strategy will depend on securing a reliable and sustainable fuel supply.